AN OPTOMETRIST said that the eyesight problem among young children as young as five years old is alarming nowadays with the advent of technology.
According to Licensed Optometrist of George Optical Inc. Dr. Nanette Casiño during Connect Press Forum held in SM Lanang Friday, October 27, as early as five years old, kids now are having eyesight problem because of the early exposure to different gadgets and technologies.
“Nowadays, bumabata na ang mayroong eyesight problem, dati commonly, only 40 years old above ang naga eyeglasses pero now as early as age as 5 year old, they have already eye problem or nearsightedness,” Casiño said.
She added that unlike before where nearsightedness or myopia were hereditary or can be attributed genetically from parents or relatives, now, it could be acquired in the digital age.
Kids usually play with their gadgets close to their eyes, which make them vulnerable to eyesight problems.
Thus, if possible, parents are advised not to expose their children to gadgets at an early age to protect their eyes.
If their children have been using gadgets, she also advised the parents to get their children checked by an ophthalmologist.
“Today it’s like acquired na siya through our digital technology so nagkabata na gyud sila,” she said.
Meanwhile, she also said for proper eye care for those workers who are constantly facing computers every day, to observe 20 20 system wherein, one should stay away from computer and look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to relax their eyes.